Screamer: Release Date, Early Access & 4-Player Split-Screen Revealed

By Ryan Messina Gaming News
23 January 2026 no comments

Milestone just dropped the full roadmap for Screamer, and it is much more than a simple arcade racer. From a narrative campaign featuring industry veteran Troy Baker to the return of 4-player split-screen mayhem, the studio is reviving the golden age of combat racing.

The game officially launches on March 26, 2026, but Early Access begins three days sooner on March 23. Here is the breakdown of every mode revealed in the latest gameplay trailer.

The Screamer Tournament Mode

Milestone is banking heavily on a narrative-driven single-player experience called “The Tournament.” This isn’t just a series of random races. You control five rival teams, each with distinct car aesthetics and motivations, battling through a dystopian illegal racing circuit.

The headline feature here is the “Echo System.” This tech gives every vehicle offensive and defensive capabilities, turning races into strategic battles. The story plays out through cinematic cutscenes backed by a serious voice cast, including Troy Baker and Aleks Le.

Multiplayer and Arcade Options in Screamer

Beyond the story, Screamer offers a suite of modes designed to test your reflexes. Team Races force you to coordinate, as victory relies on a mix of finishing position and the number of KOs your squad inflicts.

For players who want pure stress, Overdrive mode activates maximum boost from the start. The catch? One mistake or crash ends your run immediately. It is a survival test where precision dominates.

Classic arcade fans get Time Attack, Checkpoint (survival against the clock), and Score Challenge, a run-based mode where you rack up points via stunts and aggression.

Five teams. Fifteen Screamers, each with their own reason to fight. And one tournament ready to consume them all. Check out and discover what fuels #SCREAMERvideogame. #TheGameAwards pic.twitter.com/DtEQavjLwi

— Milestone (@MilestoneItaly) December 12, 2025

Local Play Returns to the Grid

In a rare move for modern racers, Screamer supports 4-player split-screen for offline play.

Online features include Ranked Team Races for competitive players and Private Lobbies where you control the rules. The “Mixtape” feature also keeps things fresh by rotating events in a curated playlist.

Verdict: Is Screamer Worth It?

Milestone usually sticks to simulation, but Screamer looks like a solid return to the aggressive style of Burnout or Split/Second. The inclusion of 4-player local co-op alone makes this a strong contender for party game of the year.

If you miss the days when racing meant wrecking your friends on the couch, this deserves a spot on your radar.

Are you grabbing this for the story campaign or the split-screen chaos?

Ryan Messina

A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

Screamer: Release Date, Early Access & 4-Player Split-Screen Revealed

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